Like other lawyers, I often receive queries via WhatsApp.

While I don’t mind answering “simple/quick questions” when they are straightforward, I often find that these quick questions come with underlying complexities. A seemingly straightforward question may require a deeper understanding of the issue at hand, and sometimes I need to ask follow-up questions to clarify the situation.

In my practice, where accuracy and clarity are important in M&A and equity capital markets transactions, I find that phone conversations or emails are sometimes more effective than messages. This is particularly true when dealing with nuanced legal issues where one simple question may involve multiple layers of detail.

Messages that are sent as “quick questions” may lack the depth and clarity that a more structured medium, such as email, can offer. For substantive issues in M&A and equity capital markets transactions, I prefer discussing via phone or sending a detailed email. This helps to avoid misunderstandings that can arise from rushed or fragmented communication.

In M&A and ECM, where the details matter, clear communication is important to ensure all parties involved are on the same page.

The next time you start a message with “Can I ask you a quick question?”, think about whether it’s truly a quick question, or if a phone call or email might be the better medium to discuss and move the transaction forward.

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This post was first posted on LinkedIn on 20 January 2025.